The Meaning Behind The Song: Paid In Full by Eric B. & Rakim
Eric B. & Rakim’s “Paid In Full” is undoubtedly one of the most iconic hip-hop songs ever recorded. The track was released in 1987 on their debut album of the same name, and quickly became a massive hit thanks to its clever wordplay, catchy rhythm, and infectious beat. But what do the lyrics really mean? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the meaning behind “Paid In Full,” one of the defining tracks of the golden era of hip-hop.
Verse 1: Eric B.
The first verse of “Paid In Full” is delivered by Eric B., who opens the track with a series of boastful rhymes that set the tone for the rest of the song. He raps:
Thinkin’ of a master plan
‘Cause ain’t nuthin’ but sweat inside my hand
So I dig deeper but still comin’ up with lint
So I start my mission, leave my residence
Thinkin’ how could I get some dead presidents?
At its core, this verse is about hustle and ambition. Eric B. is thinking of a “master plan” to get ahead in life and make some money. He’s digging deep, but all he’s finding is “lint” – meaning he’s broke and struggling. So he decides to leave his “residence” and get to work on his mission – finding a way to make some money.
Verse 2: Rakim
The second verse of “Paid In Full” belongs to Rakim, one of the most revered MCs in the history of hip-hop. Over a sparse, minimal beat, he delivers some of the most memorable lines of the song, including:
I’m the king of b-boy, the lord of rhyme
Fly like a dove, that come from up above
These lines establish Rakim’s credentials as a master of the craft – he’s the “king of b-boy” and the “lord of rhyme,” and he’s so smooth on the mic that he can “fly like a dove.” But the verse also touches on deeper themes, as Rakim continues:
When they ask what’s your addiction?
Is it money? Fame? Respect? Or is it weed, sex, or
blow?
I’ll tell you what it is, I’m addicted to applause
Here, Rakim is grappling with the question of what motivates him as an artist. Is it the traditional trappings of success, like “money,” “fame,” and “respect?” Or is it something else entirely? For Rakim, the answer is clear: he’s addicted to the sound of applause, to the feeling of the crowd cheering him on.
Chorus
The chorus of “Paid In Full” is one of the most instantly recognizable hooks in hip-hop history. It’s a simple but catchy refrain that goes:
Paid in full, paid in full, paid in full…
On its surface, this might seem like just a catchy mantra for the song. But the chorus is actually doing important work in terms of the song’s themes. By repeating the phrase “paid in full” over and over, Eric B. & Rakim are declaring that they’ve achieved their goals – they’ve found a way to get ahead and make money. But as we’ll see, the song is also a subtle commentary on the ups and downs of the hustler’s life.
Verse 3: Rakim
The song’s third verse finds Rakim diving deeper into the world of the hustler. He raps:
A lot of people wanna know what’s Eric B.’s net worth
But Eric B. is easy, easy does it
I don’t believe it’s fair to judge a rap song by its
cover
Not by its cover, but by its lover
This verse is somewhat enigmatic, but there are a few key themes at play. First, Rakim pushes back against the idea that success in hip-hop is all about “net worth” and material possessions. He argues that Eric B. is “easy,” meaning that he’s more focused on the craft of rap than on accumulating wealth. But there’s also a more subtle point being made about the nature of the rap game – that it’s often judged by superficial standards, like the image presented on an album cover. Rakim seems to be calling for a deeper, more nuanced appreciation of the art form.
Verse 4: Eric B.
In the song’s final verse, Eric B. returns to the theme of hustle. He raps:
It’s like the game ain’t the same
Got younger rappers that ain’t got no shame
Thirsty for fortune, dyin’ of thirst
Strivin’ for fame, but the rhyme wasn’t first
So I think back to when we used to rock
In the project hangin’ with the dirty cops
And I reminisce about the good days
We used to breakdance, and everything was okay
These lines paint a vivid picture of the realities of the hustler’s life. Eric B. notes that the game has changed, with younger rappers scrambling for fame and fortune without necessarily putting in the work to achieve it. He also reflects on his own come-up, remembering the days when he was just a kid from the projects hanging out with “dirty cops.” But he acknowledges that even in the midst of the struggle, there were good times – times when they could “breakdance” and forget about their troubles for a while.
FAQs
1. What’s the meaning of the title, “Paid In Full?”
The phrase “paid in full” refers to the idea of paying off a debt or obligation, usually with money. In the context of the song, it represents the idea of finding a way to make money and achieve success in the midst of a difficult and challenging world.
2. What inspired Eric B. & Rakim to write this song?
The duo has never explicitly discussed the inspiration behind “Paid In Full,” but it’s likely that the song draws on their own experiences growing up in urban areas of New York City. The track is a celebration of hustle, ambition, and the struggle to succeed in a world that’s often stacked against you.
3. What is the significance of Rakim’s line, “I’m addicted to applause?”
Rakim’s admission that he’s “addicted to applause” is an important moment in the song, as it speaks to the deeper motivations that drive artists to create. For Rakim, the thrill of performing and receiving recognition for his craft is what keeps him motivated.
4. What does the line “King of b-boy, lord of rhyme” mean?
This line establishes Rakim’s credentials as a master of the craft of rap. He’s the “king” of the b-boys – in other words, he’s a master of the breakdancing style that emerged alongside hip-hop in the early days of the culture. And he’s also the “lord of rhyme,” demonstrating his mastery of the verbal and musical elements of rap.
5. Why is “Paid In Full” considered an iconic song in hip-hop history?
“Paid In Full” is considered iconic for a number of reasons. It was one of the first songs to use a “beatbox” style rhythm instead of traditional drums, creating a unique sound that would become central to the golden age of hip-hop. The song’s clever wordplay and catchy refrain also made it an immediate hit with fans.
6. Did “Paid In Full” have any impact on the wider culture?
Yes – “Paid In Full” is widely regarded as one of the most important songs of the golden age of hip-hop, a period in which the genre was still evolving and developing its own unique identity. The song’s influence can still be heard in hip-hop today, and it’s often cited as a classic example of the genre.
7. What is the meaning behind Eric B.’s line, “Thinkin’ of a master plan?”
This line speaks to the theme of hustle and ambition that’s central to the song. Eric B. is thinking of a “master plan” to achieve success and financial security, but he’s struggling to come up with a viable strategy.
8. What’s the significance of the line, “Fly like a dove that come from up above?”
This line is a metaphor for Rakim’s skill as an MC, suggesting that his rhymes have a transcendent quality that sets him apart from other rappers. He’s not simply rapping – he’s “flying” over the beat, showing off his mastery of the craft.
9. Why is Rakim’s verse in the middle of the song?
The placement of Rakim’s verse – in the middle of the song, between two verses from Eric B. – is significant. It gives Rakim’s lines extra weight and importance, highlighting his role as one of the greatest MCs in the history of hip-hop.
10. What is the deeper meaning of “Paid In Full?”
At its core, “Paid In Full” is a song about the realities of the hustle. It’s about the struggle to make money and achieve success in a challenging world, but it’s also about the deeper motivations that drive artists to create. The repetition of the phrase “paid in full” serves as a commentary on the ups and downs of the hustler’s life, and the need to keep pushing forward even in the face of adversity.
11. What’s the legacy of “Paid In Full” in hip-hop?
“Paid In Full” is widely regarded as one of the most important songs in the history of hip-hop. It helped define the golden age of the genre, and its influence can still be heard in rap today. The song’s clever wordplay, catchy hook, and innovative beatbox rhythm made it an immediate classic, and it continues to inspire new generations of rappers and fans.
12. Why is “Paid In Full” still relevant today?
Despite being released more than three decades ago, “Paid In Full” remains relevant today because of its timeless themes and innovative approach to music. The song’s emphasis on hustle, ambition, and the struggle to succeed in a difficult world speaks to the experiences of millions of people around the globe, and its influence can still be heard in the popular music of today. As long as there are artists and fans who love hip-hop, “Paid In Full” will continue to be an important and celebrated part of the culture.
